The climate and purity of Colorado are a match made in heaven when it comes to growing hemp, which is one reason why the state is the leading hemp-derived CBD producer in the U.S.
Hemp is one of the earliest cultivated crops in the world, and originally it was grown for its fibers - not oils. Today, hemp farming in Colorado is becoming more and more common, and the emphasis is on the oil, specifically cannabidiol, or CBD.
One of the reasons the state is the leading hemp-derived CBD producer in the country is because it was at the forefront with regulations that encouraged hemp production. As a result, the CBD wholesale Colorado markets flourished. As CBD products became mainstream, Colorado was prepared to meet the demand. This colorful state is known for producing the highest-quality CBD, and there are several reasons this is the case.
Hemp Farming History in Colorado
What exactly is hemp? Industrial hemp is a strain of the plant species Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis and hemp, both derive from the same species of plant but differ significantly in the active compounds they contain. Hemp plants are characterized by having very low or undetected levels THC, so hemp lacks the mood-altering effects commonly associated with cannabis.
Hemp farming has been in the US for a long time before it was commercialized. In 2014, the Farm Bill allowed States and research institutions to put more programs in place to pilot industrial hemp farming. A new Farm Bill passed by Congress helped remove the hemp plant and its CBD-containing extracts from the federal Controlled Substances Act. Across almost all of the US hemp is now treated just like any other agricultural product and there has been dramatic growth in use of hemp-derived products.
Why the Hemp Plant vs the Cannabis Plant
The hemp plant is richer in CBD percentages and can test upwards of 15% CBD, while maintaining a THC level of less than .3%. The hemp plant is considered hemp when it tests and contains less than .3% THC. The hemp plant is legal on the federal level. Hemp is also rich in amino acids and omega fatty acids. The fibers of hemp can also be used in many commercial and industrial products like paper, building materials, compost and clothes. The whole hemp plant is used throughout the process.
The cannabis plant is rich in THC, and can test in upwards of 30% THC, while containing much less CBD than its hemp counterpart, usually in the 1-5% range and is federally illegal to grow and possess.
Why Colorado is Coined with Producing the Best Hemp
Environment: Hemp is an incredibly fast-growing and resilient crop, the benefits of which are quickly apparent to farmers who can see high yields and a new source of revenue. Colorado weather is known to extreme; from hail the size of softballs to extended periods of severe drought. Compared to crops like corn, the hemp plants are much more resilient and require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides, making it a truly sustainable crop from an environmental perspective.
Regulations: In 2012, Colorado set up its own legal framework under which farmers could legally grow the plant. This resulted in the early development of an exciting new industry and market for all kinds of novel products, putting Colorado way ahead of other parts of the USA and the rest of the world. With its multiple industrial, health and culinary uses, hemp has been coined as an eco-friendly, organic solution to many current global environmental issues.
Purity Testing: It also comes down to the purity. At Lost Range, our Colorado hemp producers are leaders in implementing third-party lab testing. While it’s not a regulatory requirement, some companies like ours added this testing as a way to make sure their products met self-imposed quality standards. Our Hemp CBD products are derived right here in Colorado. The hemp is grown under the Colorado sun by local farmers who ensure a pure product. The hemp is also extracted here in Colorado and those extracts are then used in our small batch, handmade hemp CBD products. Our products are a true full circle product supporting an array of local Colorado grown small businesses.
Certifications: A further reason to trust Colorado’s hemp farming abilities comes from its extensive Seed Certification Program, set up by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The program's stringent criteria mean certified seeds are of high quality. Seeds must first be approved by the Variety Review Board, which is made up of members of the Colorado Seed Growers Association and is according to Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) standards. Testing and genetics are then carried out to ensure THC levels of 0.3% or less. Seed packages are tagged with ‘CDA Approved Certified Seed’. The availability of these seeds to commercial farmers allows for a higher quality product in a state that has a viable and structured market.
The Risks of Poor (Gas Station) CBD
With hemp being commercialized in more states it has become readily available in many places that are convenient to consumers. One of those places being a gas station. Though consumers may be getting more bang for their buck when buying this CBD they are unaware of the risks that come with it.
The 2018 Farm Bill set forth certain rules, requirements, and regulation for hemp-based CBD plants, the fact remains that there is still very little oversight. There’s no Federal Agency that is responsible for ensuring that all CBD products that hit the market are high quality, let alone safe.
Because the CBD industry isn’t regulated, chances are that the CBD products found in places like newsstands and gas stations are generally low quality, hence the lower price. You aren't likely to get the results or experience that you want. It takes high quality CBD in order to get high quality results. There is also the risk that the CBD product contains harmful compounds, including pesticides and different levels of CBD and even THC than what is allowed.
Quality is Key
Whatever a label says, quality matters most. This is because quality can affect CBD oil potency.
There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for a CBD oil’s quality. The soil the hemp is grown in, the way it’s processed, the ingredients used, and so on – it all matters.
Contaminated and poor-quality products can be sprayed with pesticides which won’t give you as much bang for your buck when it comes to how well your body can actually use the CBD. To ensure you’re buying a quality product, make sure the company displays these key marks:
- 100% field-grown hemp extract
- Enhanced bioavailability
- Non-GMO
- Sustainably farmed
- Filler-free
- Pesticide-free
- Allergen Free
- Hemp sourced in the USA, preferably Colorado.
As mentioned, always look for third-party testing results that indicate the formula is clear of contaminants and contains appropriate CBD and THC levels.
Final Thoughts
While it may be cheaper, quicker, and more convenient to buy CBD at a gas station, chances are that you aren’t buying a high quality product. In order to experience the benefits that the best CBD oil offers, you must buy a superior product that uses superior CBD. To buy with total confidence, be sure to check where the CBD is sourced and how it’s extracted, and of course read the COA.
For more information on our products and brand, our staff is always at your service for any questions. Contact us here today.
